Stafford's Hospitality Group Sales Department Sales Associate Job Description v. 2023 Objective: The Sales Associate will work closely with the Group Sales Department, Lodging Department and the Food and Beverage Department of the hotels in the execution of all group events to assure 100% guest satisfaction for all Group Clients and Guests of Stafford's Perry Hotel, Crooked River Lodge and Bay View Inn properties. Job Summary: Under the direction of the Director of Sales, the Sales Associate will be responsible for procuring and the overall maintenance of Group Accounts at Stafford's Perry Hotel, Crooked River Lodge and Bay View Inn. The Sales Associate's key roles will be to identify, communicate and coordinate group lodging and catering events taking place at Stafford's three hotel properties. Basic Functions & Responsibilities: * Vital member of the Stafford's Sales Department, participating in lodging and event group sales for all three of Stafford's hotel properties. * Solicits new business, responds to inquiries and maintains relationships with existing client base. * Works in the development of and follow-up on Group Accounts with a particular emphasis on corporate, association and local businesses. * Responsible for creating, or assisting with, proposals in the solicitation process of sales functions. * Responsible for creating, or assisting with, contracts and obtaining deposits from clients. * Responsible for assistance in preparing group lodging blocks which may include: block creation, rate assignment, implementation of reservations via rooming lists and online booking functions, cut-off date monitoring. * Responsible for overseeing deposits & advanced payments, creation of invoices and conducting proper follow up involved with obtaining final payment. * Communicates with the Catering Manager in the proper hand-off of accounts for the creation of banquet event orders and related functions. * Work with Director of Sales in lead management of inquiring business and procurement of new business and Group Accounts. * Relay information to appropriate departments of the hotel in regard to banquets, catering and meeting room rentals as well as group lodging blocks and reservations. * Meet with clients in person, offer tours of venues, attend sales expos and trade shows. * Handle guest complaints professionally and appropriately. * Oversee special requests from clients and proper follow-through. * Share department responsibility in day-of event coordination of weddings, conferences, special events and off-premise catering. * Utilize INFOR sales and catering software, RoomKey (PMS), and other event sales and catering related software systems. * Maintain an organized office space and work flow, assist Director of Sales with office procedures. Sales Associate Reports To: Director of Sales Works closely with: Catering Manager Food and Beverage Manager of Perry Hotel and Bay View Inn Executive Chef of Perry Hotel and Bay View Inn Managers of Perry Hotel, Bay View Inn, Crooked River Lodge Accounts Receivable of Corporate Accounting Office Required Skills and Qualifications: * Ability to work holidays and weekends * Detail oriented & organized * Excellent written & oral communication skills * Proficient computer skills - Microsoft Office Suite, Internet and Data Base Management * Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to perform well under pressure * Ability to work and communicate well with guests, coworkers, and employees * Ability to identify problems and provide creative and sound solutions * Ability to multi-task, manage and prioritize projects * Ability to maintain a calm, positive and professional manner when dealing with interpersonal issues among colleagues, employees and guests * Comfortable working on own with high-profile guests and our clients who have the highest expectations of Stafford's Preferred Skills and Qualifications: * Minimum of three years hospitality industry experience * Bachelor's degree or higher preferred but not required with equivalent experience * Knowledge of hotel operations -lodging and/or food and beverage experience Physical Requirements: * Work takes place in an office setting and also on location at various events and meetings. * Requires long periods of sitting, viewing a computer monitor, typing on a computer keyboard, answering the telephone and talking to clients in person and on the phone. * Must be able to lift, push or pull up to 25 lbs. at times * Must be able to move through event venues, including outdoor events which can take place in various types of weather conditions. * Must be able to stand for long periods - especially during events. * May require the ability to bend, stoop, crawl, or kneel at times. Typical weekly Schedule: The Sales Associate position requires self-motivation; working hours will vary by season and according to our guest's requirements. * Sales Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm, Saturday & Sunday by appoint